Brazil hosted the 6th edition of the Cameroonian Economic and Cultural Days which took place on 3 to 12 May 2023. The central theme of these days was « How to improve and modernize the cattle industry in Cameroon, and how to treat and transform cattle waste from livestock markets and slaughterhouses« . Many mayors from Cameroon (from the towns of TIKO, EDEA, MENJI and MBALMAYO) took part, as well as a delegation from SODEPA headed by the General Manager, Mr KOULAGNA KOUTOU Denis.
These economic days, a forum par excellence for multicultural reflection, offered the guests several days of plenary working sessions, followed by discussions on the breeding process and animal production techniques (bovine embryo production, artificial insemination, cattle fattening, etc.), then cattle feeding (presentation of fodder), guided visits to the ranches of FAZENDA ASTURIAS de SENTINELA, FAZENDA 4 IRMAOS, the Centre for the Management and Treatment of Cattle Waste for the Production of Renewable Energy and a Cattle and Cow Fattening Centre. Finally, a declaration of intent (equivalent to a partnership agreement) between the Federal University of PARAIBA and SODEPA was signed.
At the end of the working session, the Mayors of Mbalmayo and Edéa expressed their wish to be supported in setting up a modern butcher’s shop in Mbalmayo and a modern livestock market in Edéa. Under the auspices of the Cameroonian Embassy in Brazil, organised visits were also made to the PELOTAS Ranch of the Brazilian Breeders’ Cooperative, the port of Rio Grande with its animal loading dock, and the AGROBELLA cattle feed production plant.
With regard to the University of Paraíba, a declaration of intent was approved on 12 May 2023 between the said university represented by its rector, Prof. VALDINEY VOLOSO GOUVEIA and SODEPA represented by its General Manager, Mr KOULAGNA KOUTOU DENIS. The objectives of this 3-year renewable collaboration are to build the necessary capacities and provide support for stakeholders in the beef industry in Cameroon, as well as research and transfer of technology.
At the end of these days, the challenge to increase the livestock production sector faced with the strong demand for meat and milk remains permanent. Platforms for the exchange of skills and technologies will be set up by the end of 2023.
